Amish Hamburger Steak Bake
The Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together the best of classic American flavors in one pan.
This recipe is simple yet packed with delicious ingredients like seasoned ground beef, creamy milk, and layers of tender potatoes.
It’s the perfect meal for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, offering both rich flavors and satisfying textures.
This dish is a nostalgic favorite that combines savory hamburger steaks with cheesy, creamy potatoes, creating a filling and flavorful experience.
Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting guests, this bake offers a crowd-pleasing option that is easy to prepare and full of taste.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups milk, divided
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4-5 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s the right temperature for baking the casserole later.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Make sure to break up the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks.
Once browned, drain any excess fat and season the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
In the same skillet, sprinkle the flour over the meat and stir well. Gradually add one cup of milk to the pan.
stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook, allowing the mixture to thicken into a creamy sauce.
Now, in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the thinly sliced russet potatoes and onions. Season them lightly with salt and pepper for added flavor.
Pour the beef and sauce mixture over the potato and onion layers, spreading it evenly to ensure everything is well-coated.
Add the remaining milk, pouring it around the edges of the dish to help the potatoes cook evenly.
Top the dish with shredded cheddar cheese, covering the entire surface. This will melt into a golden, bubbly topping during baking.
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Make
Making this Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is relatively simple, starting with cooking the ground beef.
Browning the beef creates a flavorful base, and when combined with the creamy sauce, it adds richness to the dish.
The key is to make sure you cook the beef thoroughly, allowing the flavors of the seasonings to meld together before adding the flour and milk.
The addition of milk is crucial for creating a creamy texture that soaks into the potatoes, making each bite tender and flavorful.
Be sure to stir the flour and milk mixture continuously to avoid clumps, which can ruin the smooth sauce consistency.
The layering of thinly sliced potatoes and onions gives the dish its hearty, satisfying texture. The potatoes absorb the flavors from the beef and milk, while the onions contribute a sweet, savory note that complements the overall dish.
Cheddar cheese provides the finishing touch, melting over the casserole and turning golden. This cheesy layer not only adds flavor but also creates a beautiful, crispy topping that contrasts with the soft potatoes.
Baking the casserole at a moderate temperature ensures the potatoes cook through while the beef remains tender.
The beauty of this recipe is how all the ingredients work together to create a cohesive, satisfying dish without requiring much hands-on time.
Let the casserole rest after baking to allow the flavors to set and make it easier to cut into individual servings. This also helps the cheese settle into a perfect, gooey texture on top.
This recipe is versatile, and you can adjust the cooking times and temperatures based on your oven or preference. Just be sure to keep an eye on the potatoes to avoid overcooking them.
Variations
One of the best things about the Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is its versatility. If you want to add more vegetables.
you can layer in bell peppers, carrots, or even mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the beef mixture. This will give your dish a nice heat without overpowering the other flavors.
If you’re a fan of other types of cheese, try switching out the cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a sharp blue cheese. Each variety brings a unique twist to the flavor profile.
For a healthier version, you could substitute the russet potatoes for sweet potatoes, which will offer a slightly sweeter and more nutrient-dense alternative.
If you prefer a lighter dish, try swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. This will cut down on fat while still providing a satisfying protein.
To make this dish even easier, you can use pre-sliced potatoes or frozen hash browns to save time on prep work.
Just be sure to adjust your cooking time based on the thickness of the potatoes.
For a vegetarian version, you could skip the meat entirely and opt for plant-based protein or additional veggies, making it a hearty vegetable casserole that still offers plenty of flavor and texture.
Tips
Make sure to thinly slice the potatoes and onions to ensure they cook evenly throughout the casserole. If they are too thick, the potatoes may take longer to cook, affecting the texture of the dish.
To get the perfect golden topping, you can broil the casserole for the last few minutes of cooking.
Keep a close eye on it so the cheese doesn’t burn, but this step will add a crispy, beautiful finish to your dish.
If you don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish, feel free to use a smaller or larger dish, but be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
A larger dish might cook the casserole faster, while a smaller one could require additional time.
For added depth of flavor, consider using beef broth or stock instead of some or all of the milk. This will give the dish a richer, more savory base.
If you’re prepping ahead of time, you can assemble the casserole a day before and store it in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes of cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge before baking.
Don’t skip the resting time after baking. Letting the casserole sit for a few minutes helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve.
If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the top before baking. This will give the dish an added layer of crunch to contrast with the creamy potatoes.
Conclusion
The Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is a fulfilling dish that’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
With its combination of creamy potatoes, seasoned beef, and melted cheese, it creates a balanced meal that’s both comforting and delicious.
Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the many variations, this dish is a keeper that will become a family favorite. It’s simple, customizable, and perfect for any occasion.